The US Constitution and state laws offer several benefits to citizens, as well as non-citizens, living and working in the country. If you’re a recent international immigrant to the Bay Area, get in touch with an experienced San Diego immigration lawyer today and avail the following benefits of naturalization.

Sponsor Families

Once you become a US citizen, you can sponsor your aging parents, spouse and minor children in US. They can come and live with you as permanent US residents. You are also allowed to sponsor your adult sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. However, there is a waiting period involved.

Voting Rights

All US citizens, irrespective of their country of birth, are allowed to vote in the presidential elections. Naturalized US citizens are also entitled to participate in elections and have successfully served (and continue to serve) as elected officials in different states.

Traveling

As a US passport holder, there are several countries that you can visit without applying for a visa. These include UK, New Zealand, Australia and Japan. US citizens can also spend as much time as they want outside the country. However, permanent resident status may be lost if you’re absent for a period of more than 6 months. You will need a re-entry permit if you come back to US.

Jobs

All private employers prefer hiring US residents, permanent residents or immigrants on a valid working visa. To qualify for a federal job, you must be US citizen. In addition, there are several elected official positions that require the applicant to be a US citizen.

Right to Attorney

Permanent residents in the US fall within the authority of Immigration Courts and USCIS. In the event they are involved in any illegal activity, they face a risk of being deported. However, naturalized US citizens are under no risk of deportation and have the right to an attorney and a fair trial.

Social Security

US citizens retire and receive full Social Security benefits and face considerable relaxation in terms of taxes and tax deductions. They can also apply for other public benefits, such as Food Stamps and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain scholarships and financial aid packages.

Responsibilities of a US Citizen

In order to become a US citizen, you must pledge the Oath of Allegiance. This oath includes several promises you have to make in order to become a citizen. Some of these oaths require you to:

Ø  Give up any other prior allegiance to any other sovereign country or nation

Ø  Defend and support the US Constitutions and all other laws of the land

Ø  Swear allegiance to the United States

Ø  Serve the country, as and when required

Citizens have a continual responsibility to participate in the country’s political processes by registering for and voting in the elections. Serving on a jury also falls under this responsibility. On a similar note, tolerance towards other religions, ethnicities and ideological groups is also the responsibility of every US citizen.